Press Releases

On January 30, 2015, the Parks Forward Commission released its final recommendation for a long-term plan for state parks that meets the needs of all Californians, now and in the future. To view
the final recommendations, click here. For the press release click here or read below.

SACRAMENTO, January 30, 2015 – Calling for a “fundamental transformation” of the state’s 1.6 million acre park system, the Parks Forward Commission today issued its final plan that recommends a
series of sweeping changes to ensure the long-term sustainability of California's state parks. The Commission, an independent panel of leaders across the state charged by the Governor and Legislature
to review the future of the state’s 279-unit park system, lays out a vision for the future of state parks for 2025 along with a two-year action plan, and details dozens of specific recommendations to
modernize, engage partners, and expand access to the state’s park system. Key recommendations in the 56-page report, available
at http://www.ParksForward.com, focus on:

Creating a transformation team, housed in the Parks Department and staffed by experienced internal and external staff, to transform the Department’s organizational structure and update its
outdated systems, processes, tools, and technology;

Opening pathways to leadership for the most qualified employees, and recruiting and training a new generation of park professionals that reflect California’s racial, ethnic, and cultural
diversity;

Creating a statewide nonprofit strategic partner, tentatively dubbed “Parks California,” that will bring resources not currently available to undertake key projects and programs in coordination
with the Department;

Prioritizing necessary support to protect the system’s natural and cultural resources for future generations;

Establishing a reliable, dedicated funding structure for California parks, including a more entrepreneurial revenue-generating strategy.

The Commission’s report challenges the California State Park System to reform and enhance management and operations and once again become “a shining star of California
innovation.”

“Our plan is ambitious, it is also achievable,” says Parks Forward Commission Co-chair and former state senator, Christine Kehoe. “It is a blueprint for transforming how state parks are run, how they
protect the state’s natural and cultural resources, and how they will serve all Californians and attract other visitors. It’s not designed to dwell upon past problems, but to turn the page to a
bright future through fundamental change.”

“Change at this level isn’t easy; it would have been much easier for us simply to call for more funding and propose modest incremental change,” says Parks Forward Commission
Co-chair Lance Conn, a Bay Area businessman and conservationist. “However, those fixes will not realize our broader vision for California parks, and may just perpetuate problems that could eventually
cause irrevocable damage. Our treasured parks, Californians, and dedicated park staff deserve better.”

“There is an urgent need to transform our parks so they are accessible to all Californians, engage younger generations, and promote the healthy lifestyles and communities that are uniquely
Californian,” said Natural Resources Agency Secretary John Laird. “There is no reason that California’s state parks cannot be a model for our nation and the world. This bold report sets us on the
path to make that happen.”

“The Parks Forward effort has resulted in our Department taking a robust look at our practices and resources, and we have the unique opportunity to develop and implement strategies that will
strengthen our park system,” said Lisa Mangat, Acting Director, California State Parks. “The report is not the end of a process, but the beginning of a shared vision to bring positive initiatives,
many of which are already underway, including the Transformation Team, increased use of technology and outreach to youth and underserved. There is a lot of momentum for positive and sustainable
change, and broad-based support that will be critical in the months and years to come. With improvements in internal budgetary processes
and the announcement of a transformation team in January, we already are committed to ensuring the Commission’s recommendations are turned into action.”

In addition to its major structural reforms, the Commission also is calling for greater accessibility and enhanced visitor experiences through development of alternative lodging (such as newly
designed cabins) and digital discovery tools (such as new smart phone apps for finding parks and online photo-maps of trails via a partnership with Google).
http://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/434
.
The plan is being published after nearly two years of out reach and study that included public meetings, discussions with State Parks leadership and staff, surveys, social media interaction, and
independent analyses conducted for the Commission. It is slated to be adopted at a public meeting of the Commission on February 6, 2015, at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.The
Commission's plan is the result of the California State Parks Stewardship Act and AB 1478, signed into law by Governor Brown in 2012. In June 2013, the California Natural Resources Agency, California
Department of Parks and Recreation, and Resources Legacy Fund, on behalf of philanthropic organizations, entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding to create the Parks Forward Initiative. Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird appointed the independent Parks Forward Commission to undertake an evaluation of state
parks and develop recommendations for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the State Park System to meet the needs of all Californians and park visitors. The 12-member Commission reflects broad
expertise in business, nonprofit, education, natural resources, and public service.

# # #

FELTON April 23, 2014 -- Mountain Parks Foundation Of Santa Cruz has been selected for the 2014 Best of Felton Award in the Environmental Protection Organization category by the Felton Award
Program.

Each year, the Felton Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that
enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Felton area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2014 Felton Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the
information gathered both internally by the Felton Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Felton Award Program

The Felton Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Felton area. Recognition is given to those companies that have
shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Felton Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional
associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.